PODCAST

December 13th, 2012

Under the Old Covenant the people were told that should they violate the commandments, “I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging” (Ps. 89:32).

How differently Jesus spoke of the New Covenant. “If you love me keep my commands” (John 14:15). “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

Jesus focused on the benefits of love, not threats.
1. God will love you back. “The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them” (14:21b).
2. Union with God. Those who love the Lord discover an intimate friendship with God. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (v. 18). “I shall . . . reveal myself to him” (v. 21, NJB). “We will . . . make our home with them” (v. 23). This is a transforming friendship in which one grows into oneness with God and his will.
3. The Peace of Christ. Genuine love for God creates an inward security. Millions of Christians greet each other not with “What’s up?” but with “The peace of Christ.”